Melbourne Storm lead race to sign Newcastle discard Junior Sau

MELBOURNE were last night on the verge of signing Newcastle discard Junior Sau despite speculation linking the former Kiwi centre to Cronulla.

MELBOURNE were last night on the verge of signing Newcastle discard Junior Sau despite speculation linking the former Kiwi centre to Cronulla in a swap deal involving Jeremy Smith.

Sau is contracted to the Knights for next season but has spent most of the year in NSW Cup and is unwanted by coach Wayne Bennett.

The club has been in negotiations with Melbourne for several weeks about off-loading him to the Storm and it's believed the deal could be announced as early as today.

Privately, Melbourne view Sau as the best available centre replacement on the market for departing Queensland Origin star Dane Nielsen, who is joining the Warriors.

But his switch to the Storm has been complicated after it emerged the Sharks may be interested in picking up Sau as part of a compensation package that would see them release Smith to Newcastle.

It is widely known Smith wants out of the final year of his contract at the Sharks to link with Newcastle because of family reasons. But Cronulla are refusing to release him.

Jeremy Smith

Sau's manager Steve Gillis confirmed he is aware of the interest from Melbourne and Cronulla but last night stressed no deal had been finalised with either club.

"It's up to the Knights to sort it out and as of right now, Junior hasn't agreed to anything," Gillis said.

"I have a contract offer from Melbourne for next season but I don't have anything from the Sharks. If Junior goes anywhere, it will only be for one season."

Sources say the Knights will be better off financially if Sau links with Melbourne.